As a girl, most of us have a vanity full of perfumes that we’ve collected over the years. Some we bought because we love the way it smells and some just because we like the way the bottle looks sitting on our counter. I’ve always wanted to be one of those people that has a “signature scent”, but the problem is I love too many! One of my favorite childhood memories was giving my mom a hug before she went out to dinner with my dad, smelling her perfume in her fur coat, and thinking she was the most glamorous lady to ever walk the earth.
So, even though I’ve found my “signature scent”, I figured I’d share with you a few of my favorites! I found most of these by asking people who I thought smelled good what kind of perfume they were wearing, so let me know what others I need to try in the comments!
1. TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID: (description from Sephora) The custom grown (and über rare) TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID is the show-stopping note in this incredibly luxurious scent. Sultry woods and rich fruit accords help to bring out the skin’s natural perfume, and the jet-black, art-deco inspired bottle adds to the fragrances overall glamour. *This is one of my all time favorites and I always get compliments when I wear it. Just be careful not to use too much because it’s strong!
2. KAI: (description from Fragrantica.com) Kai is a gorgeous fragrance based on white flowers with dominance of gardenia, fresh and very natural.*If you love gardenias, you’ll love this scent. I carry the oil roller in my pocketbook.
3. VIKTOR & ROLF FLOWERBOMB: (description from Sephora) This floral explosion releases a profusion of flowers that has the power to make everything seem more positive. Magically evocative notes immediately awaken your deepest senses, giving you the impression of living life in your own secret garden, away from reality. Sambac jasmine, centifolia rose, cattleya orchid, and ballerina freesia bloom on a base of patchouli. *Flowerbomb should be in every girly-girl’s collection!
4. JO MALONE LIME BASIL & MANDARIN: (description from Nordstrom) Reminiscent of the scent of limes carried on a Caribbean sea breeze, Lime Basil & Mandarin has become a modern classic for men and women. Fresh limes and zesty mandarins are undercut by peppery basil and aromatic white thyme in this alluring signature blend. *One day I told my mother-in-law how good she smelled and the next day she surprised me with it as a gift! I use this one as my everyday scent and always get a ton of compliments. It’s definitely a more masculine scent.
5. ARMANI PRIVE PIERRE DE LUNE: (description from Neiman Marcus) Pierre de Lune boasts the floral nobility of Cassie Flower, green and penetrating, enhanced with a hint of Belambre, a customised synthetic note with vibrant amber undertones. A fragrance hewn by Giorgio Armani himself with precision, enhanced with the ultimate refinement of a French garden. *I really don’t even know how to describe this one, other than I absolutely love it. It’s also one of my all-time favorites, but I probably won’t ever buy it again because it’s so expensive. I bought it without asking the price because I thought there was no way it was more than $60 or so. Needless to say, I was way wrong. Lesson learned. Why does perfume have to be so expensive??
Courtney Gillies says
Michael Kors by Michael Kors. The best ever.
Jodi says
I’ve worn Clinique Happy for 20 years! I love it. I always get compliments and it lasts all day! I love their seasonal version of Happy called Happy Summer Spray. I am ready to try something new and I love fruity scents so I may try the Tom Ford Black Orchid! Thanks Emily….I love your blogs!
Emily Maynard says
Thank you! If you’re looking for something fruity I’m not sure I’d go with Black Orchid. It’s strong, so a little goes a long way!
Sarah says
So what is your “signature scent” then? Please share 🙂
Emily Maynard says
I still haven’t found it! I can’t pick my favorite out of all of these! What’s yours?
Shannon says
Emily, I too have tons of perfumes, but my very favorite that I always go back to is Ralph Lauren Blue. I am not great at describing perfumes, but it really does smell so good and it’s not too strong. Sort of sweet and clean if that makes sense! Another that I have been wearing lately is Prada Candy. I get lots of compliments on this one. Also, I wore Flower Bomb for years and I finally got sick of it. I now try to wear a variety of things so that I won’t tire of them like I did that one. 🙂
Kim says
I need to try those! My favorite and pretty much my signature is Chanel coco madammoiselle and I just got a small bottle of Chloe and it smells wonderful! I love your blog, Emily!
Traci says
If I’m wanting a more “girly” smell I love Miracle by Lancome. If I want a more musky smell then I got with Burberry Brit. 🙂
Kelly Griffith says
I’m a fragrance girl and my all time faves are the Chanel fragrances in the Chance line called Eau Frachai or Fresh. It is a green shade and Eau Tendre is a pink liquid. I get compliments when I wear those scents. I’m also a fan of the Gucci Guilty fragrance and the D & G “Rose The One’ and “The One”.
Lady Million by Paco Rabanne & my boyfriend wears their men’s cologne “One Million!” Smells so elegant without being overbearing. Plus it lasts all day. 🙂
Amy says
Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana. I never wear it without getting a compliment. It’s amazing!!
B says
Do you switch it up based on the seasons? Sometimes I feel like I want something a touch more flowery for summer and more masculine for winter … although sometimes going against what you’d expect is a welcome change when the weather is nasty!
PS - the Jo Malone Wild Bluebell is my absolute favorite. A big bottle on my vanity and a small one in my purse!
Emily Maynard says
I try to especially with stronger scents. In the summer the Tom Ford is WAY too strong! I need to try the Wild Bluebell!
Sara says
My absolute favorite is Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle, but I also like Victoria’s Secret Sexy Little Things Noir, Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Heavenly, and Victoria’s Secret Incredible. I get compliments on each of these scents and I switch them out based upon my mood or what I’m wearing that day. I like my scent to go with my outfit. I’m excited to check out your recommendations!
Whitney Thompson says
Dior Pure Poison! Definitely my favorite. Very clean yet romantic, but not overbearing!
Andrea says
I will definitely be checking out these scents! It’s always fun to mix them up. My favourites to this day are the following:
1)DKNY-be delicious (green apple bottle that is fruity amazingness!)
2)Alfred Sung-Shi (classy and worth a double take)
3)Clinique-Happy (timeless scent)
Dori says
Elizabeth and James and Nirvana available at Sephora.
Sarah says
Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black and White pair are FANTASTIC! You can wear them separate or spritzed on together!
Jasmina says
You should try Hanae Mori - it’s the one perfume I always get complimented on. I keep trying other ones but always go back to it.
Lindsay says
I tend to lean toward sweet scents.
My favs for summer:
-Miss Marisa (by Ebba) and Miss Marisa Tropical
-Hanae Mori Butterfly…my husband’s favorite on me
For winter I also love Flowerbomb and TF Black Orchid
For a reasonably priced everyday perfume I wear Michael Kors by Michael Kors
Charity Flynn says
My favorite is D&G 6 L’Amoureux. I’m obsessed with it and my boyfriend loves it too - always a plus 😉
Mary says
Thanks for your suggestions! I love Van Cleef & Arpels Oriens and the new Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede! I’ve been wanting to try Flowerbomb for a while, so I think it’s time! 😉
Whitney says
Burberry “London” and Marc Jacobs “Lola” are my two faves! 🙂
Wianca says
You have to try Bottega Veneta it smells so good!!
P.S love it you like flowerbomb from our Dutch duo Viktor & Rolf
Erin says
I love Michael Kors original scent. It smells sexy. Some of the Benefit perfumes are great, as well. I really want to try some of these above! Especially Black Orchid and Flowerbomb. One question, though-you said “mother in law.” Is there something you’re not telling us? Did you elope? 🙂
Joseph says
If you are wearing a scent for women then okay, I don’t know what to tell you, but if you are wearing it for a man, choose KAI. I know I’m just one guy, but unless your man smokes and has burnt our his ability to smell, he’s going to like it - a lot. Don’t believe me? Ask Tyler J.
Michelle says
You should try Thierry Mugler Alien — I will never get tired of it, always get compliments
Michelle says
Thierry Mugler Alien is a must try. So unique. I always get so many compliments.
Stacey says
Jivago 24k is my all time fave!
Sabrina says
I wear Flower Bomb every day and that is my signature scent. I can’t seem to find anything else I like better!! I will make sure to smell some of your other recommendations above. I’d like to find something else that I like as much as Flower Bomb. Thanks for all of your posts. I enjoy reading them and finding out about new products!
kirsi says
I have plenty of perfumes. I just love them. One day I use someghing light and the other day stronger. My favorites are Victoria’s Secret perfumes and Dolce & Gabbana Pour Elle. I love sweet scents. 😉 I also have the Victor&Rolf ‘Flowerbomb’
Dana says
Dior Hypnotic Poison. Best vanilla scent in existence
eva-linn says
Ralph by Ralph Lauren
Mackenzie says
Versace Bright Crystals is absolutely amazing! It’s a floral and a light hint of amber scent that lasts all day, and smells even better on your clothes the day after. You won’t regret this one!
Cj says
My all time favorite is Aqua Di Gioia….the female version of Aqua Di Gio. It is not overwheming and has a soft sweet smell. My man says it is “delicious” and that he could just sit and breathe me in. I have had strangers both men and women stop and ask me what I am wearing. 🙂
Lauren Johnson says
Stella by Stella McCartney! I have worn it since my freshman year of college! I found it because one of my closest pledge sisters always wore it!! 🙂 you will love it! Also Lola and daisy by Marc Jacobs and Hot by Givenchy…a few of my other favorites!!
Cynthia says
I love bombshell by Victoria Secret. It’s an amazing scent.
Will you ever come up with your own perfume?? 🙂 that would be amazing! Pretty sure everyone would love to smell like you haha.
Katie says
Coco mademoiselle by Chanel is one of my all time favorites. It’s such a lovely and girly scent!
Melissa says
I love unique scents and have been searching for a new signature scent for awhile. I was thrilled to finally find Odin perfumes.. I ended up buying the 09 version.. Posala: Smoky bourbon and star jasmine surface in a blend of Perique tobacco, resinous amber and purple iris for a floral bouquet.
Divine.
Lindsay {Everistta} says
Love Jo Malone! My go to!
Patricia says
Hello emily this is the first time ever i have made a comment. But i visit your website daily, I have always loved you since bachelor/bachelorette. Anyway this blog stuck out to me cause I love my colonge’s. My all time favorite is Thierry Mugler Alien or Alien essence. It is just a sexy smell and you will love it. Also the new Coach is awesome.. So try them out.. Thx for blog i have been wanting some of the Viktor&Rolf.
Amy says
Elizabeth and James Nirvana in white!
Like yourself, I never did find my signature scent until just two days ago at Sephora. I tried it only because of the name “nirvana” as it’s one of my all time favorite bands. I also had a sample made for me to last me a while and I’ve been loving it! I would describe the scent as flirty with a bit of an edge.
Amy says
Elizabeth and James Nirvana in white or black!
I’ve never had my signature scent until just two days ago while shopping at sephora. I tried it only because of the name “nirvana” as it’s one of my all time favorite bands. Turns out I really love the scent! I also had a sample made for me to last me a while to make sure I really like it.
It’s got a flirty but edgy scent to it so I hope you try this one out and love it!
Monica Smith says
I go through favorites every couple year. So my favorite right now and cannot get enough is… BVLGARI Omnia Crystalline. It smells like your on a sandy coconut beach! Delicious!
Jenni says
Hi Emily! I love Ralph Lauren Blue and Vera Wang Princess most of the time, but in summer I wear Philsophy Summer Grace. It’s amazing! You should try it out 🙂
Vangela Clark says
Pink Sugar is ThE BEST if you like vanilla/bakery style smells!
Bianca says
Thierry Mugler innocent! The best ever! They stopped selling it but you can still get it online.
Jeannie Cahill says
Dior Midnight Poison is Amazing and Mysterious. ( They don’t hold it on the shelves anymore, but you can still find it on amazon.) It’s captivating, and every guy I’ve ever hung around always remarks how I smell better than any other girl they’ve met 😉 It smells woodsy and rosey and just spritzing it makes me feel more desirable. I love it and can’t wear anything else now!
Brittany says
I agree with some of the above comments. I LOOOOOVE Ralph Lauren Blue and I also like Clinique Happy. I recently fell in love with Coach’s Poppy Flower. All three of those perfumes smell so good!
Whitney says
Escada is flirty and fruity! I always get compliments on it and it’s not too expensive! 🙂
Judy says
I am currently wearing Manifesto by YSL. I work in a bank in open plan and always get compliments from women and men when I put it on. It’s jasmine and vanilla and woody - it’s very strong but really feminine. I am not wild about the bottle - but love the scent. My signature scent is however Opium which I love as well. Congratulations on the engagement Emily!
I just bought Burberry Body and it’s wonderful. Very pretty but subtle, which is what I like!
Maggie says
Hi Emily, what is your favorite scent for Spring? Just wondering since it’s almost that time of the year… my favorite is Oh Lola! You should try it out, it’s very girly and fruity.
Suhana says
I wear perfume by Guess (Guess Eau de Parfum for Women). It’s in pink bottle. I always get compliments. It’s not strong or heavy. It has this fresh fragrance for someone to walk by and be like “What’s that?”
Kelly says
Try Molecule One! It’s sold at Barneys…and sure you can find it online. It’s actually developed to act as a pheromone! Description from Barneys “Enticing the wearer with an almost pheromone-like fascination.” The refill size is plenty big enough (Molecule 01)
Amazing. Compliments every time.
And you can layer with your current favorite!
Jenna says
I think you would love Calvin Klein Eternity Moment! Very fresh and girly! I have others I like and other I want, but this is my go to 🙂
Tam says
Issey Miyake :: L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme
I’ve worn this men’s fragrance since 1997.
Sephora Notes: Verbena, Tangerine, Cypress, Yuzu Zest, Coriander, Clary Sage, Geranium Bourbon, Blue Water Lily, Nutmeg, Saffron, Cinnamon Bark from Ceylon, Amber Tobacco, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Musk. Style: A fresh herbaceous scent with warm, woody undertones.
Sherri Lewis says
I love Mackie by Bob Mackie.
Rolanda says
I have always wondered, where/how exactly should you apply perfume. I have heard about 3 different ways such as the following: on your clothes, misting spray all over after you get out of the shower, or on specific spots such as behind the ears, knees, and wrist (but not to run the perfume in)? Please help with this one Emily?
Sherry says
Creed-Love in White (soft and delicious ). I always get compliments.
Creed- Imperial (could be unisex but more on “feminine”)
Jenna says
My all-time favorite is Fracas by Robert Piguet but…it is so strong. So I only wear it for special occasions. Otherwise, my favorites are: Chanel no 19, Chloe (I never liked rose until I wore this), Pure Grace from philosophy (for the gym and outdoor activities) and Jo Malone Wild Bluebell (I love love it for spring/summer).
Amanda says
For spring/summer my go to is I Love love by Maschino…you cannot find this is stores anymore only specialty perfume shops…. Reminds me of light blue, but this scent stays on me…if you like LB but it doesn’t work for your body type, try this! I just found my fall/winter scent at Anthro…. Made by Royal Apothic, it’s called Noble Carnation…. Im not a carnation type of girl but this scent is addicting!
Kyndal says
I love and own Dolce and Gabbana Light blue, Burberry Brit, Burberry, and Guess by Marciano (all sweeter smells especially the guess one). The only floral-ish scent I own, is Coach Poppy. I also recently got a sample of Prada Candy and like it as well.
Dawnn says
I love perfumes too, and it depends on my mood which one I reach for. Lately my staples have been: See by Chloe, Exceptional (can only seem to find it on FragranceNet.com) and Villain by Ed Hardy. Am looking forward to trying out your colognes and some of the others mentioned too!
Christine says
I’ve gone through stages of signature scents, all my favorites below!
1. Flowerbomb
2. Jimmy Choo - “Jimmy Choo”
3. Christian Dior - “Addict”
4. Versace - “Bright Crystal”
5. Van Cleef & Arpels - “Feerie”
6. Lolita Lempika (purple)
Always get compliments whenever wearing one of these!
Karen Goodman says
Hi Emily, I have now followed up with another of your recommendations and I absolutely love it! It is the Tom Ford Black Orchard perfume and it smells amazing. Do you know whether a body lotion or cream comes with it as I always feel like something is missing if I don’t have that to go with it? I also have the Vicktor Rudolf Flower Bomb which does have an awesome body lotion to go with it. I have so MANY perfumes it’s not funny but I always seem to wear about 5 out of maybe 75 that I have. I’m so tempted to get the Armani Prive Pierre De Lune one, I am fast discovering that my love for all things Emily is costing me a lot of money! Thank goodness we can’t get your jewellery over here yet, do you plan to branch out internationally or not just yet? I know your schedule is crazy busy!! Thinking of you. Love Karen.xoxo
Kristin says
I love Unconditional Love by Philosophy…it’s really sweet, but not overboard and still a light scent. For a not as sweet scent, the newest Coach fragrance, Love, is really nice!
Kristin says
I tend to fall for sweet smells….one of my favorites is Unconditional Love by Philosophy! If I’m going for something not so sweet, I really like Coach’s newest fragrance, Love. It’s really nice and not overpowering!
Kristin O'Neal says
I tend to fall for sweet scents and one of my current favorites is Unconditional Love by Philosophy. If I’m going for something not so sweet, I really like Coach’s newest fragrance, Love. It’s really nice and soft.
BTW, I’m an SC girl, good choice to get married in the Palmetto State! 🙂
Stacy says
So Emily , yes what is your signature scent?? would love to know xoxo
Sofia says
Sí by gorgio armani 🙂 I actually found it By asking this woman in froNt Of me at checkout in gap what perfume she was wearing and ran over to the parfumania store and got it right then and there. Its amazing
tINA mCfARLAND says
CHANEL Chance Eau Fraiche is the absolute best in the world! every where i go, I get compliments.
Desereah says
EuphoRia is my all time favorite!!
neysa harrold says
hi I do like flower bomb but when it dries it smells like musk.,which I don’t like at all. is there a scent similar that does not do that?
angela says
MY alltime favorite perfumes in no particular order are:
1. Issey miyake pure
2. Michael kors by michael kors
3. Mugler Alien
4. Mugler Angel
5. Dior addict
I always get loads of compliments with any of these. They are statement perfumes..not for ladies who don’t want to be noticed 🙂